Airtel Africa and SpaceX’s Starlink have commercially launched a satellite to mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the first commercial deployment of Starlink’s direct to phone technology in Africa, Business Insider Africa reported. The service, launched on August 14, allows compatible Airtel smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites in areas where terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable.
The initial service supports SMS and selected light data applications, including WhatsApp messaging, while Airtel says the technology will eventually be expanded across its 14 African markets, subject to regulatory approvals. The DRC launch follows the partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025 and successful testing of mobile data and messaging services in Kenya earlier this year.
The commercial rollout could have significant implications for Africa’s telecommunications industry, particularly in countries where difficult terrain, large distances and limited infrastructure make traditional mobile tower deployment expensive. For Airtel, satellite connectivity provides a way to extend network reach without relying entirely on terrestrial infrastructure, potentially opening new markets and improving service availability in underserved communities.
The next phase will depend on regulatory approvals and the expansion of compatible devices and services. Airtel’s planned rollout across its wider African footprint could intensify competition in the continent’s connectivity market while accelerating the integration of satellite technology into mainstream mobile services.
